Ex-cop heads to trial for double deadly crash

A former cop is going to trial on charges he drove drunk and hit a group of motorcyclists with his pick-up truck.

EASTON, Pa. -

A former cop is going to trial on charges he drove drunk and hit a group of motorcyclists with his pick-up truck.

It was an emotional day in court for friends and family members of the two victims who were killed in an accident in July.

John P. Heaney III., 49, of Lopatcong Township, New Jersey is accused of causing a double fatal motorcycle accident on Route 512 on July 1st.

On Friday, Heaeny's preliminary hearing took place at the Northampton County Courthouse.

The ex-cop faces two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving drunk, four counts of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter among other charges.

According to court documents, on July 1, Heaney's pickup truck was traveling north on Route 512 in Bangor Township when it crossed into the southbound lane where six motorcyclists were traveling on their way to a friend's viewing in Monroe County.

Two of the motorcyclists, Keith Michaelson, 52, and Michael Zadoyko, 47, were killed. Kevin Michaleson, brother of victim Keith Michaelson, told 69 News that it has been a very difficult time for his family.

"I kind of think that there isn't going to be any winners in here. It's all just losers, unfortunately for our families," said Michaelson.

The two victims were members of the Last Chance Motorcycle Club, a group that has overcome alcohol and other addiction issues.

According to testimony from witness, George Curtis, Heaney came into the lane head on and that there was no way to avoid him. Curtis was one of the four motorcyclists that survived the accident.

The Northampton County Coroner told the courtroom that Michaelson and Zadoyko died from multiple blunt force trauma to their heads, internal organs and torsos.

A vision that family members fear will haunt witness George Curtis forever.

"It was very emotional up there. And George has a big cross to bear with watching everybody, like he said, being plowed down by bowling pins," said Michaelson.

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